A new synthetic version of the “love hormone” could soon be used to treat mental illness like anxiety and schizophrenia, experts says.
A team of researchers from the University of Queensland in Australia has developed a version of oxytocin which they say will have no side-effects.
Oxytocin is a naturally occurring hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain.
It binds to several receptors in the brain to influence maternal care, social interactions, stress and anxiety levels.
At the moment it is used to increase contractions during labor but experts are now looking at whether it could treat mental health problems like anxiety and schizophrenia.
The main concern for using oxytocin is that it can have some side effects such as heart problems when it is used for too long or the dose is too high.
Dr. Markus Muttenthaler, a researcher from the university, said: “The downside to oxytocin is that it activates a number of receptors, some of which can lead to unwanted side effects.”
“For example, oxytocin is used to progress labor but it can have serious side effects such as cardiovascular problems or uterine rupture when used for too long or at a too-high dose.”
“The new compound we have developed is just as potent as oxytocin, but shows improved selectivity for the oxytocin receptor, potentially reducing dangerous side effects.”
“It didn’t activate heart muscle cells, and produced a more regular contraction pattern in uterine tissue, which indicates improved safety for mother and baby.”
Curious about whether the synthetic hormone could be used to treat mental health conditions the team tested it on mice.
They found the mice treated with the compound overcame social fear much quicker than those who didn’t receive the treatment, meaning it could be used to target social phobia, anxiety and even autism.
“The new compound is not only a promising lead for future treatments but also important for understanding the role of the oxytocin receptor in health and disease,” Muttenthaler said.
“We’re hoping to secure funding to improve the drug properties of this lead and carry out more extensive preclinical studies.”
The research was published in the journal Science Signalling.